Russian convoy attacked by Ukrainian forces

FEARS: The convoy attack has heightened fears of further escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict [AP]

Officials in the capital Kiev said forces in the east of the country tracked and then attacked the convoy.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed the incursion with David Cameron amid fears the incident could cause a major escalation in the conflict.

He said a "considerable part" of the convoy was destroyed by Ukrainian artillery.

Mr Cameron has "expressed grave concerns" at the situation and has urged both parties to try and find a political situation to the crisis.

ALARMED: Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has admitted to being concerned about the incident [GETTY]

“I'm very alarmed by reports that Russian military vehicles may have crossed the border this morning”

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond revealed he is concerned at the Russian entry into the Ukraine.

Mr Hammond said: "I'm very alarmed by reports that Russian military vehicles may have crossed the border this morning.

"Of course the humanitarian convoy itself is a separate issue. But if there are any Russian military personnel or vehicles in eastern Ukraine they need to be withdrawn immediately or the consequences could be very serious."

He has called on Russia to withdraw immediately.

TENSION: Ukraine claims a considerable part of the convoy has been destroyed [AP]

The vehicles crossed the border near Donetsk on Thursday night.

Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen described the operation as a "clear demonstration of continued Russian involvement in the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine".

Tensions between the West and Russian president Vladimir Putin have escalated following the apparent shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by Moscow-backed separatists.